THE FIRST WORD: Though a thrilling rematch of Duke vs. Syracuse claimed much of the spotlight on Saturday, the Florida Gators were quietly doing what they've been doing for the past three months: Winning.

Florida's 19 consecutive victories hasn't necessarily gone unnoticed. The Gators (25-2, 14-0) have, for the most part, dominated SEC opponents and emerged as an obvious choice for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament.

With Selection Sunday three weeks away, now it's time for Florida to take center stage.

Florida's 75-71 road victory against Ole Miss was as unimpressive as the team's narrow home victory earlier in the week vs. Auburn. But the Gators' credentials (Just two losses on the season; wins vs. Kansas, Memphis, Kentucky) and winning momentum has them positioned to take over as the No. 1 team in the country and replace former No. 1 Syracuse, now loser of two in a row.

Although Wichita State's 29-0 record (the Shockers beat Drake on Saturday) will create an argument for the top team in the poll come Monday, this Florida team is too good and nationally respected to be outdone by a mid-major team.

Yet for a team that hasn't lost since Dec. 2, there seems to be no complacency. That's a good sign for Billy Donovan's veteran-laden group that showcases perhaps the best depth and experience in the country.

"This team understands that the whole is greater than its parts," Donovan told reporters on Saturday. "But we need to play better and I'm talking about that from an effort standpoint."

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I just thought it was the worst call of the year, that's all," Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim said of a charge call on C.J. Fair in the Orange's 66-60 loss to Duke. Boeheim went berserk and was ejected from the game for arguing what would have been Syracuse's tying basket with 10.4 seconds left.

RÉSUMÉ STAIN: Gonzaga's 69-66 loss to San Diego could be costly should the 'Zags not win the WCC Tournament. Mark Few's group would be sweating on Selection Sunday in what could be the first year the Bulldogs miss the NCAAs since 1998.

CONFERENCE OUTLOOK: Saint Louis has taken command of the Atlantic 10 Conference race and a 66-59 win against George Washington made things interesting in the A-10. St. Joseph's (9-3), VCU (8-4), UMass (8-4), Richmond (8-4) and GW (8-5) are all fighting for second place. As many as seven teams could reach the NCAAs from this league.

WINNERS, LOSERS: Breaking down Saturday's victories that matter the most and the losses that stain résumés the worst.

WINNERS

Stanford: Defeated UCLA 83-74.

New Mexico: Defeated San Diego State 58-44.

Wisconsin: Defeated Iowa 79-74.

Arizona: Defeated Colorado 88-61.

North Carolina: Defeated Wake Forest 105-72.

LOSERS

Tennessee: Lost to Texas A&M 68-65.

Missouri: Lost to Alabama 80-73.

Ole Miss: Lost to Florida 75-71.

St. John's: Lost to Villanova 57-54.

West Virginia: Lost to Baylor 88-75.

ON DECK: Breaking down the best matchups to watch Sunday. All times Eastern.

— Seton Hall at Creighton (5 p.m., FOX Sports Net)

— Michigan State at Michigan (noon, CBS)

— Southern Methodist at Connecticut (2 p.m., CBS Sports Network)

— Florida State at Pittsburgh (6 p.m., ESPNU)

— Providence at Butler (6 p.m., FOX Sports 1)

Scott Gleeson, a national college basketball writer/digital producer for USA TODAY Sports, is on Twitter @ScottMGleeson.

ALL THE COLLEGE BASKETBALL ACTION THIS WEEK

Gonzaga Bulldogs guard David Stockton passes the ball from under the basket during the first half against the San Diego Toreros at Jenny Craig Pavillion. Christopher Hanewinckel, USA TODAY Sports

Kentucky Wildcats forward Julius Randle (30) hit the game-winning shot with under five seconds left in the game against the LSU Tigers in overtime at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated LSU, 77-76. Mark Zerof, USA TODAY Sports

St. John's Red Storm forward Chris Obekpa (12) goes over the top of Villanova Wildcats guard Ryan Arcidiacono (15) while going for a rebound during the first half at the Wells Fargo Center. Howard Smith, USA TODAY Sports